Philippine City Plagued by Rat Urine

Residents carry a girl on a rubber raft to safety in Olongapo City, north of Manila on Sept. 23. The city is suffering from a outbreak of leptospirosis, an infection transmitted to humans through water contaminated by rat urine.

At least for Olongapo, a city in the northern Philippines hit first by flooding in late September and now suffering from an outbreak of leptospirosis—an infection usually transmitted to humans through water contaminated by animal urine, particularly rats.

At least 10 people have died from the infection since Oct. 5, more than two weeks after the city was submerged by floods brought by monsoon rains on Sept. 23. Hundreds more are being treated in the city and its surrounding towns.

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Leptospirosis is endemic to the Philippines, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which notes that outbreaks usually occur during typhoon season, between July and October.

The number of leptospirosis cases nationwide had reached 2,084 as of Oct. 5, a number is 68% lower than the 6,439 cases reported in the same period last year, according to a report from the Philippines’ Department of Health.

But the problem this year is particularly acute in Olongapo, where Eliseo Manarez, an assistant administrator at James Gordon Memorial Hospital, says the outbreak has “peaked.” The rats that thrive in the city’s sewers and slum areas, and a poor garbage disposal system may be the reasons, he explained.

Most of the infected residents are confined to James Gordon, where hospital staff say the growing number of patients has strained capacity, forcing them to convert another part of the hospital and even the lobby into treatment areas.

More than 570 patients have been admitted to the hospital and 87 are in the outpatient department, said Mr. Manarez.

Leptospirosis is common among people who wade through flood waters laced with rat urine, particularly if they have cuts or wounds. The infection can also enter the body through the eyes or the mucous membranes. Symptoms, which include a high fever, chills and intense headaches, usually appear between four and 14 days after exposure to contaminated water or mud. Victims complain of severe stomach aches and difficulty urinating and their skin often appears yellow, doctors say.

In extreme cases, complications like meningitis, renal failure and respiratory distress may arise and lead to death, said Lyndon Lee-Suy, a program manager at the Department of Health’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Program. Those who have died in recent days were already in the late stages of the disease when they sought hospital treatment.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said medicine and other assistance have been provided to the city of Olongapo to help treat the outbreak, which Dr. Lee-Suy says is isolated there.

“As we continue monitoring this situation, we strongly advise those who are exposed to floodwaters to immediately wash themselves and take the prophylaxis treatment advised by the DOH,” Mr. Ona said.

One of the Philippines’ worst outbreaks of leptospirosis hit Manila in 2009 following a major typhoon that flooded the city in late September. By mid-November, more than 170 people died and nearly 2,300 patients were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

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